What Holdsworth community members need to know

Summary

On Monday 27 July 2026, the Australian Government is testing a new emergency warning system called AusAlert. Compatible mobile phones, tablets and smart watches across Australia will receive a test alert at 2pm AEST (NSW time). The device will vibrate and sound a loud siren for about 10 seconds, and a message will appear clearly stating it is a test. No action is needed. If the siren sound may be distressing for you, a family member, or someone you support, you can switch the device to airplane mode or turn it off before the scheduled test time in your location and leave it off for at least one hour.

What is the AusAlert national test?

AusAlert is Australia’s new national emergency warning system, replacing the current SMS-based Emergency Alert service. It uses cell broadcast technology, sending a mass alert directly from mobile towers to every compatible device in range, rather than one text message at a time. This makes it faster and more reliable in emergencies such as bushfires, floods, and severe weather events.
Before AusAlert goes live in October 2026, the Australian Government is running a full national test. Nine communities were already tested in June 2026. The test on 27 July is the first time the system will be tested across the whole country at once.

What to expect on the day

  • Date and time: Monday 27 July 2026, at 2pm AEST (this covers NSW, ACT, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria; other states and territories are on slightly different times)
  • What happens: compatible devices will vibrate and play a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds, and a message will appear on the screen clearly stating it is a test
  • Silent mode won’t stop it: because this is a Critical Alert, it will sound even if your device is on silent or do not disturb
  • Nothing to do: if you receive it, no action is required
  • Not everyone will get it: some devices may not receive the test, due to older software, no signal, or being switched off; this is expected and is part of what is being tested
 

Why this is happening

Emergency alerts save lives when people are warned early and clearly. Before the government relies on AusAlert during a real emergency, it needs to confirm the system works as intended across different phones, networks and locations. The national test also helps everyone become familiar with what an AusAlert looks and sounds like, so it’s instantly recognisable if a genuine warning is ever sent.
 

A note for our community

For some older people, people living with dementia, and children in our playgroups, a sudden loud siren can be startling or distressing. If this applies to you or someone you care for, you can turn the device off or switch it to aeroplane mode from just before 2:00 pm and leave it off for about an hour. This is a simple, effective way to avoid the test alert altogether.
 

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is AusAlert?
AusAlert is Australia’s new national emergency warning system. It uses cell broadcast technology to send alerts to all compatible mobile devices in a targeted area at the same time.
 
Q: When is the AusAlert national test?
Monday 27 July 2026. In NSW, the test will occur at 2pm AEST.
 
Q: Do I need to do anything during the test?
No. The test alert will clearly state it is a test. No response or action is required.
 
Q: Will the alert make a loud noise?
Yes. Compatible devices will vibrate and play a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds, even if the device is on silent.
 
Q: Can I turn the alert off?
You cannot turn off a Critical Alert in your device settings. The only way to avoid it is to switch your device to aeroplane mode or turn it off before 2pm and leave it off for at least an hour.
 
Q: Why is this test happening?
The government needs to confirm AusAlert works correctly across different devices and networks before it officially launches in October 2026, and to help people recognise a genuine alert in future.
 
Q: What if I don’t receive the test alert?
This is normal. Some devices won’t receive it due to older software, no mobile signal, or being switched off. No action is needed.
 
Q: Is this test relevant to older people or people living with dementia?
The sudden, loud siren may be startling for some older people or people living with dementia. Families and carers may wish to switch devices to aeroplane mode beforehand if this is a concern.
 
Q: Where can I find more information?
Visit ausalert.gov.au for full details, including translated resources and information for people with disability.